Apple acquires Irish AI startup Voysis

Apple has acquired Ireland-based artificial intelligence startup Voysis. The startup specializes in improving digital voice assistants, which could help Apple improve Siri.

Voysis worked in making customer experience “easier, faster and more intuitive” with its AI tools that deeply integrate with client databases, according to its now-discontinued website. The platform allowed customers to search for items they’re looking for using their voice with simple phrases like “I need a new LED TV” and “My budget is $1,000.” And it turned out to be three times faster than usually typing their search requests. 

Voysis offered its natural language solution to businesses looking to improve voice assistants in their products prior to its acquisition. The company’s solution is based on Wavenet, which was introduced by Google’s DeepMind program in 2016. It also raised $8 million in Series A funding from Polaris Partners in 2017.

Apple confirmed the acquisition to Bloomberg with its standard statement when it comes to acquisitions. “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans,” said Apple.

This is the second Apple acquisition that has made headlines this week, after the popular weather app Dark Sky announced it’s joining Apple. Apple has acquired several AI startups in the past few years, with its standard acquisition statement, of course.